Tenant Moving-In Checklist: What to Do Before You Move Into Your New Rental Home

Moving into a new rental property is exciting, but there are a few important things to check before you collect the keys and settle in. Being prepared can make moving day much easier and help avoid problems later in the tenancy.

At Connor Properties, we want tenants to feel confident and organised before moving into their new home. This moving-in checklist covers the key things to arrange before, during, and shortly after moving in.

1. Make Sure Your First Payments Are Ready

Before moving in, you will usually need to make sure any agreed payments are made on time. This may include:

• First month’s rent

• Tenancy deposit

• Any agreed rent in advance

• Holding deposit, if one was taken and applied to the tenancy

It is important to check the exact amount due and the payment deadline before your move-in date. Delayed payments can delay the key handover.

2. Check Your Tenancy Agreement

Before signing, read through your tenancy agreement carefully. Make sure you understand:

• The tenancy start date

• The monthly rent amount

• The rent payment date

• The deposit amount

• Who is named on the tenancy

• Tenant responsibilities

• Landlord responsibilities

• Any special terms or conditions

Do not leave questions until after you have moved in. If anything is unclear, ask the letting agent before signing.

3. Have Your Documents Ready

Most tenants will be asked to provide documents before moving in. These may include:

• Photo ID

• Proof of address

• Proof of income

• Employment details

• References

• Guarantor details, if required

• Right to rent documents, where applicable

Having these documents ready can help the application and move-in process run more smoothly.

4. Review the Inventory

The inventory is one of the most important documents at the start of a tenancy. It records the condition of the property when you move in.

When you receive the inventory, check it carefully. Look at:

• Walls, ceilings, floors, and doors

• Kitchen units and worktops

• Bathroom fittings

• Appliances

• Windows and blinds

• Furniture, if the property is furnished

• Garden, yard, or outside areas

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

If you notice anything missing or incorrect, report it as soon as possible. It is also sensible to take your own photos on moving day.

5. Take Meter Readings

On the day you move in, take clear photos of the meter readings.

This may include:

• Gas meter

• Electric meter

• Water meter, if applicable

Keep these photos for your records. They can help make sure you are only charged for the energy or water used after your tenancy starts.

6. Set Up Utilities and Council Tax

Once you have moved in, you may need to contact the relevant companies and council to set up your accounts.

This may include:

• Gas supplier

• Electricity supplier

• Water supplier

• Council tax

• Internet provider

• TV licence, if required

Do this as soon as possible after moving in to avoid missed bills or account issues.

7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

At the start of the tenancy, make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are present where required and appear to be working.

If an alarm is not working, missing, damaged, or beeping continuously, report it straight away.

Tenants should not remove alarms or take batteries out. If there is a problem with an alarm, contact the letting agent or landlord.

8. Check Keys, Locks, and Access

When collecting the keys, check you have the correct keys for:

• Front door

• Back door

• Communal entrance, if applicable

• Garage

• Shed

• Mailbox

• Window locks, if provided

Test the keys as soon as possible. If any key does not work or you think something is missing, report it quickly.

9. Report Repairs Early

If you spot any repairs after moving in, report them as soon as possible.

Common examples include:

• Leaks

• Heating issues

• Electrical faults

• Broken appliances

• Damaged locks

• Loose fittings

• Damp or mould concerns

• Blocked drains

Reporting problems early helps prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones.

10. Understand How to Report Maintenance

Before moving in, make sure you know how to report repairs and maintenance.

You should know:

• Who to contact

• What phone number or email to use

• What counts as an emergency

• What information to provide

• Whether photos are needed

When reporting a repair, include the property address, a clear description of the issue, and photos where possible.

11. Arrange Contents Insurance

The landlord’s insurance usually covers the building, not the tenant’s personal belongings.

Tenants may want to arrange contents insurance to protect items such as:

• Furniture

• Clothing

• Electronics

• Jewellery

• Personal belongings

This is optional, but it can be useful if there is theft, fire, escape of water, or accidental damage.

12. Check Bins and Collection Days

After moving in, find out:

• Which bins belong to the property

• What day the bins are collected

• What can go in each bin

• Where bins should be stored

• Whether there are any local recycling rules

This is especially important if the property has a shared bin area or rear access.

13. Save Important Contact Details

Keep useful contact details saved on your phone, including:

• Letting agent

• Emergency maintenance contact

• Gas supplier

• Electricity supplier

• Water supplier

• Local council

• Internet provider

This makes it easier to deal with any issues quickly.

14. Get to Know the Property

During the first few days, take time to find:

• Stop tap

• Fuse box

• Gas meter

• Electric meter

• Boiler controls

• Thermostat

• Bin storage

• Main appliance switches

Knowing where these are can be very helpful if there is a leak, power issue, or heating problem.

15. Keep Communication Clear

Good communication helps avoid misunderstandings.

If you have a question, repair issue, or change in circumstances, contact the letting agent as soon as possible. Keep messages clear and include the property address so the issue can be dealt with quickly.

Final Moving-In Checklist

Before moving in, make sure you have:

• Signed the tenancy agreement

• Paid the required rent and deposit

• Provided all requested documents

• Received key collection details

• Checked the inventory

• Taken meter readings

• Tested keys and alarms

• Saved important contact details

• Set up utilities and council tax

• Reported any repairs or concerns

Need Help Before Moving In?

If you are moving into a property managed by Connor Properties and you are unsure about anything, please contact us before your move-in date. We are happy to help make the moving process as straightforward as possible.